Published By: Sayan Paul

Vidya Balan: 5 performances that show how amazing actress she is

A perfect blend of elegance and acting skills, Vidya Balan is surely one of the most promising actresses in Indian cinema.

Vidya Balan is one of those few Bollywood actresses who can carry an entire movie on their own. Being an exceptionally talented actress, she has delivered some truly brilliant performances over the years and won millions of hearts around the world. From playing a teenage girl in the 1995 Television serial 'Hum Paanch' to becoming a superstar in Bollywood, Balan's journey is both fascinating and inspiring. Here, let's take a look at 5 of her best performances till date.

Parineeta (2005): 'Parineeta', being the debut movie of Vidya Balan in Bollywood, brought her a lot of accolades and made everyone believe that a new star was in the making. This period drama tells a heart-warming tale of love triangle between Shekhar (Saif Ali Khan), Lalitha (Vidya Balan) and Girish (Sanjay Dutt). With gorgeous look, gentle appearance and nuanced performance, Balan gave life to the character Lalitha and enhanced the charm of the movie.

Ishqiya (2010): This Abhishek Chaubey directorial venture proved that Vidya Balan can also excel when it comes to portraying raw, intense and bold characters. She played the role of a widow who builds a relationship with two petty thieves. The film is incredible and Balan's richly layered performance is the major highlight of it.

The Dirty Picture (2011): Considered by many as the career-best performance of Vidya Balan, this movie truly showcases the wide range of her as an actress. She essayed the role of South Siren Silk Smitha and impressed all with her breathtaking performance. She effortlessly got under the skin of this bold and complex character and made it look conventional on screen. Balan embodied the character in such depth that it won her a National Award for Best Actress.

Kahaani (2012): Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, 'Kahaani' is an intriguing mystery-thriller in which Vidya Balan played a pregnant woman who is looking for her missing husband. While the film is extremely well written and executed, Balan's portrayal of the emotionally broken character is also commendable. Her in-depth characterization will surely leave you in an awe.

Tumhari Sulu (2017): The movie is a subtle mockery of the patriarchy and social stereotypes in India. Balan played the role of a middle-aged housewife named Sulu who takes up a job as a radio jockey and lives her dreams. Balan as Sulu was effortless and the way she portrayed the struggles of middle-class women in India is beyond any words.

Vidya Balan has never delivered a bad performance in her career spanning over 15 years. 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', 'Paa', 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai', 'Begum Jaan' etc. are some of her other best films.